Whether you are an employer, landlord or classed as a responsible person, if you are in charge of a cold water storage tank, then you’ll know how important maintenance can be. The aim is to maintain the condition of the tank and the water, ensuring that both are in pristine condition. From contamination to corrosion and the health risks that come with a lack of maintenance, it makes perfect sense to do the right thing and maintain your cold water storage tank.
Dirt and mould as well as harmful bacteria can develop without you even realising so you should do everything possible to learn about tank maintenance and why it is so important. In this article, we are going to explore what storage tank cleaning is essential.
Contamination is a Real Risk
You cannot assume that contamination won’t be a problem for you because your tank is new or because the water was only added to it a few weeks or months ago because this isn’t enough. Your water tank is going to require regular maintenance and disinfection as contaminants can prove to be a real risk to human health. The first contaminants to consider are bacteria and pathogens.
Bacteria and Viruses – If bacteria and viruses infect your tank then this could lead to illness and disease. This will impact your water if you allow your water to become stagnant.
Legionella – Legionnaires Disease is caused by legionella disease and when someone is infected, it brings with it a wealth of symptoms such as fever and even pneumonia. It thrives on algae and sludge as well as rust and organic matter. What this means is that dirty water tanks make for the ideal environment for them to thrive.
If someone inhales small droplets of this water or consumes it then they could develop Legionnaires Disease. To avoid this issue, you have to plan cold water tank cleaning as a regular form of maintenance. This will help to maintain the right temperature and water cleanliness.
Biofilms – Biofilm occurs as a result of UV radiation, salt concentrations and a lack of nutrients and can cause a problem for your water tank as it can harbour pathogens. Regular cleaning will help to prevent the build up of biofilm.
Sediment – Sediment is a natural occurrence and it cannot be completely prevented by cleaning along. It happens when metals begin to corrode and dissolve and then sit at the bottom of the tank. It hasn’t been known to cause illness but it can result in an unpleasant taste. However, you shouldn’t ignore it and should deal with the issue to keep your tank and water clean.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
You should aim to have your water tank cleaned every six months as this will help to deal with the issue of bacteria and pathogens. This will help to prevent them from growing but this is where a professional company should be used to carry out the cleaning. It is possible to maintain your tank without the need to empty it although in some instances, depending on the condition of the tank and water, it might need emptying.
It might seem like an inconvenience to clean out your tank, even when you are not doing the work yourself. However, it makes perfect sense to invest in cleaning as this will help to save you hassle and money in the long run.